"I have felt it—from the first. Even a secret agent has eyes, dimensions, senses. I am a little abashed as if in the presence of phenomena. Your helplessness and innocence, your loyalty and unselfishness—you must be sure that I am not unaware of them."
Marishka laughed easily.
"You restore my faith in human kind, Captain Goritz. You'll admit that your attitude toward me has been far from reassuring."
"Countess, I beg of you——"
"The alternative to disobeying your wishes—destruction—death!" she went on, shuddering prettily.
"I am merely a cog in the great wheel of efficiency. I spoke figuratively——"
"But of course you know," she broke in quickly, with another laugh, "that I didn't believe you. I haven't really been frightened at all. How could I be? You're not in the least alarming. To face the alternative you imposed would take courage. I am easily frightened at a mouse. The deduction is obvious——"
He laughed and then said soberly, "It is far from my wish to frighten you. That kind of brutality has its justification, but this is not the occasion, nor you the woman."
"I was sure of it. If I hadn't been I shouldn't have come with you."
"Ah!" Goritz straightened and stared at her. "But—your promise——"